Last year, the 76ers’ speedy combination guard wore Nikes – he was between sneaker deals, a “free agent,” as he liked to say – and he would wear different styles on different nights.

But that was last season. Much has changed since then, even more than just Williams‘ brand of shoes.

For one, Williams used to be the team’s starting point guard. That distinction now belongs to 20-year-old Jrue Holiday.

Williams did not lose his job because of a lack of production. (He averaged a career-high 14.0 points and 4.2 assists a game.) He lost it because Holiday’s game seems much more suited toward a point guard’s duties. By season’s end, the franchise was obviously headed in Holiday’s direction.

Williams doesn’t seem bitter.

“I think Jrue’s earned it,” Williams said after Tuesday’s morning practice at St. Joseph’s University. “He’s earned the right to be the starting point guard. He did an incredible job last year at the end. There are no problems with that.”

The Sixers’ training camp at St. Joe’s runs through Saturday. They will open their preseason schedule on Tuesday against the New Jersey Nets in Roanoke, Va.

In the final minutes of the night session at Hagan Arena, Williams tutored his current second-team teammate, shooting guard Evan Turner, about the rookie’s decisions within the offense. He put an arm around Turner’s shoulder and tried to explain himself.

Williams, 23, seems content with his role. It’s the same one demanded of him in previous seasons, and at least he is aware of what is expected.

“He’s not asking me to do anything outside of my comfort zone,” Williams said of new coach Doug Collins. “He told me from day one, ‘This is what I want you to do.’ There’s no confusion on our parts. And that’s all we ask is communication, for us to know what’s expected of us. And Coach has done that, so I’m all good.””